Compared with the subordinates who were making trouble below, whether it was Kanetaro or Yamamoto Honbuki, they were very quiet, because they knew that this time was not a time of a strife, and there were many issues that really needed to be discussed carefully. Some methods may sound alarmist, but they might not be a good solution.

"If it is not bad to give up interests appropriately, then it is not bad, but the hatred between us and the Americans is irreconcilable, even back to 1898 when we seized the Philippines. So, the question is, how much is Katsutaro going to make concessions? Should he return the German colony, or withdraw from the Dutch East India? Or even the Philippines?" Yamamoto Honbuki looked at Katsutaro and said. "When the first shot of the Philippine Navy started, we had already embarked on a road of no return. The Pacific Ocean seemed vast, but it could not accommodate the two powerful countries of the United States and Japan."

"I also have an idea, but it is exactly the opposite of what Mr. Kanetaro thinks. I think that at this time, we should stop moving north and choose to go south with all our might. If I remember correctly, we have invested 6 divisions in the Russian Far East, totaling more than 150,000 people. These troops consume a lot of materials and money every day. I can understand the army's persistence in the north, but to be fair, the plan to advance south is the most profitable."

"We can obtain copper mines in Guinea, oil, rubber, non-ferrous metals from Kalimantan, and coal mines from Sumatra. These places are rich places. What can we obtain in the Far East of Russia? The oil on Sakhalin is far less than that of Kalimantan, and other resources are limited. In that wild land, except for hunting, there is no use at all." Yamamoto Kobee retorted.

"However, the pressure of advancing south is too great. Even if the United States, which has become our mortal enemy, is removed from the Germans. I don't think the Germans want to see our sphere of influence expand further in the Pacific region, but it doesn't matter to advance north. Even though Germany and Russia signed a peace treaty, the vast Eastern European plains cannot accommodate the two major powers, Germany and Russia! They will continue to be hostile, and the Russians are us to the east and Germany to the west. Under the attack of the two powerful people, Russia is only a lamb to be slaughtered. Our risk is very small." Kanetaro said.

"In the future, the empire not only needs to fight against the United States in military terms, but also seek to break the situation diplomatically. The system of the Allied Powers has been broken, and our relationship with powerful countries must also be adjusted. For example, in the future, we may maintain a relatively friendly relationship with Germany and Austria. After all, Germany and Austria are very far away from us, and there is no direct conflict of interest between the two sides. They just want to do business in the Far East. We can guarantee their rights and interests, and at the same time exchange for their funds and technology."

"In the future, we may also have common enemies with them, such as the Russians and Americans. There is no need to explain the former in detail. As for the latter? When we compete with the Americans in the Pacific, the Germans will compete in Africa, South America and the United States. The relationship between the two sides will sooner or later, and it will be a matter of time before confrontation. Therefore, I think appropriate compromise in Southeast Asia to avoid conflicts with Germany, and at the same time, beating the Russians on the northern line to obtain benefits, and showing kindness to the Germans is the best choice for the empire at present." Kanetaro said.

"This argument just sounds good, but it is actually not practical. Now the U.S.-Germany coalition is one. Who knows what the Germans' goal is this time? Is it the original German Pacific colony? Or the entire Guinea Island? Or directly to Kalimantan Island? In any case, we must use the saber in our hands to let the other party know our strength before we can negotiate, and then we can re-align our relationship with Germany. This plan is OK in the long term, but it has almost no value in the near future."

"And if we want to be friendly with Germany, then the future territory of the empire has been limited, and we have almost reached the limit, because Germany will not allow us to expand in the mainland. Think about the attitudes and practices of the Germans in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895. Once they think we have harmed Germany's interests, the Germans will be much more difficult than the Americans!" said Mutanto Yamamoto.

"Okay, let's do it first, I'll say a few words." Nishiyuanji Gongwang said: "We can make concessions in Southeast Asia, but we must keep the new territory west of Guinea. This is our bottom line. If we are lucky, we can also keep the west of Guinea. The southern line is our most important strategic direction at present. The end of the war is related to the rise and fall of the empire, so I hope that everyone can work closely on this issue."

"Although northward advance is a secondary direction, it is OK to act now. After all, there is a civil war in Russia. No matter who wins, it will be two years later that they want to come to the Far East. At that time, we have almost destroyed the Far East railway system built by the Russians. We can use a very small force to stop the Russians from counterattacking. The investment is very low, and the reward is quite generous."

In the end, Nishiyuanji Gongwang chose to be confused on this issue. While determining the Navy's plan to advance south as a focus, it also took into account the army's actions in Siberia. As for the reason? On the one hand, it was because the southward and northward did not conflict at the time point. After the end of the European War, the Americans were definitely willing to let the Pacific War break out as soon as possible. After all, there is a saying that nights are long and dreams are too long. And the Russian civil turmoil will end in a short while, so there is a time difference between Britain.

On the other hand, it is because even with the status and ability of Nishiyuanji Gongwang, he could not completely offend the navy or the army. What's more, from a historical perspective, the Russian army seems to be really not good, and advancing north is a matter of low investment and quick results, so he agreed.

"From now on, the empire should enter a state of war. The days of peace have ended. We must do our best to prepare for war. So, you don't have to worry about military expenditure. I will try my best to meet the needs of the Navy and Army." Nishiyuanji Gongwang finally gave the Navy and Army a big cake.

As for the attitude towards Britain and France that was discussed later, the Japanese also adhered to pragmatism. Everyone was still ally in terms of face and could do business. And the Japanese could also provide some loans to the British when necessary. At the cost, the Japanese wanted to use the British transport fleet to transport supplies, or provide some convenience to the British colonies in the Far East. Of course, the specific result depends on the negotiations between the two sides.
Chapter completed!